Small Groups - An average of fewer than 11 persons per tour.

Variety of Durations - Many short duration tours from 2-14 nights that can be combined to suit individual interests.

Interesting, Well-Research Itineraries - Behind the tourist façade, meeting 'locals', avoiding the tourist traps.

Flexibility - Small groups mean that the daily schedule can be flexible, take advantage of weather conditions, enjoy local events and your particular interests.

Well-Balanced Sightseeing - Days of variety with something for all. Seeing both famous sights (when the crowds have left) and the not so familiar. Detailed itineraries should be read as guidelines, sites listed should be regarded as those possible, not that all will be seen. You will help determine the daily itinerary to suit its participants.

Leisurely Pace - No 6 a.m. morning calls, no rush to be at predetermined places, no 15-minute stops at places of interest, and definitely no 'commission' shopping stops.

Organised Independence - You'll not be 'herded' and there'll be time to explore on your own in major towns (with your guide’s help if required!). On most tours there are opportunities for individuals to make alternative arrangements such as half day walks or visits to family or friends.

Comfortable Minicoach Transport - Back-Roads’ specially-designed Renaults and Mercedes Sprinters can travel anywhere a car can, reaching places the larger coaches find impossible. All equipped with seat-belts and airconditioned for your comfort.

Restricted Night-Stops - No constant packing and unpacking. Wherever possible we stay in a single accommodation and use this as a base for our daily explorations.

Intimate, Interesting Accommodation - Inns, farmhouses, castles and quaint B&Bs, each with their own particular charm. Accommodation is chosen for its location, architectural interest, the welcome and skills of their hosts and their intimate size. All accommodation is of a high standard (the majority a 3-star or similar rating) and all rooms are with private facilities unless age or architecture does not permit.

Entertaining Evenings - Optional theatres, visits to country pubs, lectures and fun!

Educated & Interesting Tour Directors - Back-Roads Touring Co. Ltd companion / guides boast a wide range of backgrounds and abilities. Authors, college professors, adventurers, photographers, ex-service officers, sailors and even a member of the Royal Household! They are philosophers, diplomats, historians and entertainers but, above all else, they are dedicated to ensuring your comfort, safety and enjoyment.

Hearty Food - The very best of local cuisine, sampling regional favourites whenever possible. We dine at restaurants, pubs or at the accommodations. Picnics are also included!  Traditional English, Irish and Continental breakfasts (as appropriate), and a quality 2-course dinner as a minimum are included in your tour price, except where listed on individual itineraries.

Guaranteed Departures - All departures are guaranteed, however on rare occasions when there are only one or two persons booked on a tour, Back-Roads Touring will give you the opportunity of cancelling the tour without cost or transferring to another Back-Roads tour where there may be more participants and therefore, more friendly companionship!

Price Represents Real Value - Back-Roads Tours are designed to be as inclusive as possible. Its impossible to make direct cost comparisons with large coach tours (Back-Roads is simply too different for it to be meaningful). There will always be a small premium for the convenience of travelling in an intimate group, compared to travelling en-masse with 50 other people. What we do know is that Back-Roads Touring represents outstanding value for money, especially considering the in-depth research behind each and every itinerary.